Walking Dead Theory: Why Negan Will Probably Die In All Out War

Walking Dead is setting the table for Negan’s death

has been doing a pretty thorough job of telling the "All Out War" narrative from Robert Kirkman's comics so far in Season 8, but we have a theory that the show is going to diverge pretty spectacularly from the comics. This is all based on speculation, but if you're concerned about spoilers -- especially about differences between the TV show and comic books -- read on at your own risk.

OK, ready for this theory? It might come as a shock, especially for you comic fans, but we think the AMC series could be setting up a surprising spin that’s gonna put Negan in the ground.

Now, those of you who haven’t read the comics may not find this surprising -- Negan's got to die for all the terrible things he's done, right? -- but comic fans might be shocked because they have experienced all that the comics have planned for Negan. For those of you who just watch the show, stick with me, I think you’ll be surprised where this goes, and comic fans, take a second and hear me out. There are several contributing factors to this theory.

Every Death on The Walking Dead

Kirkman and AMC have proved time and again that they want comic readers to experience something new with the show. The current conditions of the series vary pretty greatly from the print version of the All Out War arc. For example, in the comics, Carol, and Morgan are long dead, Daryl doesn’t exist, and neither do the scavengers. Eugene never seemingly joined Negan’s efforts, and Negan definitely was not locked in a trailer with father Gabriel to confess his many sins. We especially see differences in pivotal moments like the death of Lori, Glenn/Abraham, and even The Governor. It seems Walking Dead has found another opportunity to stray from expectations put in place by the source material.

In this past week’s episode we see Negan have a very tender moment, sharing his darkest and most regretful memories with the preacher. This scene created the emotional range and impact that ol’ slugger was missing. *Mild comics spoilers ahead* However, this scene in the comics takes place much later in the comics, after Negan has his life spared by Rick and a 2-year time jump takes place, where Rick and Negan begin to share some level of trust after fighting alongside one another. Why share this tender moment now, especially with such a minor character? Walking Dead has a pretty consistent track record of giving villains some depth and humanity, developing a deeper connection for the audience, before what is usually a very violent end. But we don’t think that end will come from Rick.

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In the comics, Rick has a showdown with Negan outside the walls of hilltop, where, after much chit-chat, he surprises everyone by slitting Negan’s throat, then cries out for a doctor to save him, and follows this up by imprisoning Negan as an example to create a new world order in which human life is preserved whenever possible. Rick’s nemesis is kept in a cell below Rick’s house in Alexandria. A cell very similar to the cell built by Morgan on the show in Season 6. *End comics spoilers*

It’s here we may find our solution. The show seems to be cultivating a new villain... one that is homegrown right from episode 1. Morgan is a man who has seen a lot of struggle in his time on the Walking Dead. After losing his wife in Season 1, his son sometime before reuniting with Rick in Season 3, and losing control of his mental faculties before his monk-like conversion before the events of Season 6, he is once again becoming the shaken soul who grew compelled to extreme violence, especially when it promised vengeance. Morgan’s dedication to Rick’s cause has become zealous and he is pointing his uncontrollable anger directly at Negan and his followers, willing to harm his own friends to get to them.

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Meanwhile, Rick is losing control of his people. We see him watch his leadership losing grip as his friends’ are overcome with the desire to end the Saviors through whatever means may present themselves. Daryl, Tara, and Morgan’s plans have begun to deviate from their leader, and with this week’s addition of a crate full of dynamite, things are pushing towards some explosive moments. Daryl and Tara may not be willing to go the distance when push comes to shove, but this new rabid Morgan, just might.

The events of this season are barreling toward a heavy confrontation that we hope takes place at the midseason finale. It is here that we believe that Morgan will defy all reasonable advice and take Negan’s life, only to end up in the cell that he, himself built within the walls of Alexandria.

This would leave Rick with the fallout of having turned his friend, Morgan, from his path of near-pacifism, and created a new monster that he must then choose what to do with. It would essentially make Morgan take Negan’s place for the future story, creating a path that greatly deviates from the comics.

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Whether this takes place or not, this would be a brave and interesting step for The Walking Dead, and would perpetuate the polar shifts that Walking Dead has maintained with these characters since their initial meeting.

We can’t wait to see this confrontation reach its exciting end. What do you think will happen? Will Morgan kill Negan? Will anyone kill Negan? Negan will definitely kill others. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

John Borba is a video producer/editor for IGN, board game enthusiast, and our resident Walking Dead expert. Follow him on Twitter at @borbsauce.

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